Nike is re-releasing a classic silhouette for this spring. The Nike Cortez first launched in 1972 and returned in 2022 for its 50th anniversary. One of the most sought-after colorways, the “Forrest Gump,” was first released in 2018 and is now slated to return for 2024.

Not only did the Cortez become Nike's best-selling running shoe, the new cushioning combination also became the industry standard, providing better underfoot cushioning to help absorb impact and altering the course of footwear history.

The Nike Cortez was first designed by Nike co-founder Bill Bowerman, aiming to produce a comfortable and durable running shoe for distance training and road running. The Nike Cortez was released at the peak of the 1972 Summer Olympics, and quickly gained interest by the general public.